We recommend systems-level changes in mentoring, collaboration, and funding to drive the global health research agenda in these countries. Additionally, research training programs should be evaluated not only by numbers of individuals graduated but also by numbers of independent investigators and grants funded. Through equitable collaborations, infrastructure, and mentoring, West Africa can match the rest of Africa in impactful global health research.
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) the preferred treatment for gallstones was not available in Ghana until 2005. OBJECTIVE: To report experience from Ghana of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of galestones. METHODS: In a prospective study of patients with gallstones, information was obtained on demography, duration of various stages of the operation, analgesia and complication of patients with gallstones. All patients had general anaesthesia using endotracheal intubation, muscle relaxant and intermittent positive pressure ventilation. A standard four-trocar technique and maximum pneumoperitoneum pressure of 14mmHg were maintained during surgery. RESULTS: There were 50 women and two men aged 17-72 years (mean 44.2 years). All had symptomatic gallstones treated by interval LC. The main indications were biliary colic 23(44%) and previous cholecystitis 15(29%). There were scars from previous abdominal surgery in 22 (42%), mainly pfannenstiel. The Verres needle was used to obtain pneumoperitoneum in 40 (77%). Only one patient (1.9%) had the operation converted to open cholecystectomy. Most patients, 47/51 (92%), were discharged in 24 hours. The mean durations of various stages were: anaesthesia (110 minutes), pneumo-peritoneum (67.5 minutes) and reverse trendelenburg (47.8 minutes). The mean operating time reduced from 81 to 68 minutes in the last 20 patients. Complications were sore throat 11(21.6%), infection of the umbilical wound 3(5.9%), right shoulder tip pain (3; 5.9%) and bile leak 1(2%). There was no peri-operative mortality. CONCLUSION: Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed with good results in patients with symptomatic gallstones in Accra. WAJM 2010; 29(2): 113-116.
Africa has one of the highest neonatal mortalities in the world, for which the commonest causes do not include surgical conditions such as some congenital anomalies that are amenable to surgery but are not often operated on because of a number of challenges. These challenges include cultural beliefs and practices, dearth of human resource capacity, inadequate laboratory and imaging support and lack of consumables and intensive or high dependency care facilities. Some of these challenges will be examined and highlighted using the acronym "ASKS" in this article.
Introduction Several studies suggest that preoperative anaemia (PA) is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, but little is known about these outcomes in the Central Region of Ghana. This study aims to determine the prevalence of PA among noncardiac surgical patients and its implications for their postoperative outcomes. Methods This study was designed as an observational study; data including demographics and clinical and laboratory results were collected from the patients' records and through interviews. Results A total of 893 inpatient surgical cases undergoing elective and emergency operations, aged 15 years and above with mean age of 44.2 ± 17.0 yrs, were enrolled. The prevalence of PA was 54.3%, mostly microcytic with or without hypochromia (57.2%). The prevalence was higher in females than males (p ≤ 0.001). Preoperative anaemia was significantly associated with prolonged length of hospital stay (OR: 2.12 (95% CI: 1.49–3.10)). Allogeneic blood transfusion significantly prolonged the length of hospital stay (OR 4.48 (95% CI: 2.67–7.51)). 15.5% of the anaemic patients received oral iron supplements compared to 2.2% of nonanaemic patients (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion Preoperative anaemia is common among noncardiac surgical patients. It is independently and significantly associated with prolonged hospital stay leading to the use of increased healthcare resources. It is also the main predictor for perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions and the use of haematinics.
SUMMARYObjective: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most distressing morbidities associated with surgery. Even though the incidence can be as high as 30% elsewhere no work has been done to assess the incidence in any health facility in Ghana. This study was carried out to find out the incidence, risk factors and the management of PONV in a tertiary healthcare facility. Design: This was a prospective study. Setting: The study was carried out in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Subjects and Methods: All patients above the age of 18 years who had surgery including general surgery were included in the study. Information obtained using a questionnaire included demographic data, the type of anaesthesia, the incidence of PONV and its management. Results: Three hundred and six (306) completed forms out of 322 questionnaires were analyzed. One hundred and six patients (34%) had episodes of PONV of whom 82 (77.4%) had intra-operative opioids. Of the other factors only age was found to be a risk factor with patients in the 20-49 age group constituting 71.8% (p= 0.007). Eleven out of 93 patients who reported the episode to a health worker received medication for their PONV. Drugs used included promethazine and antimalaria.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.